By Oluchi Omai
The opening ceremony of the 2025 ANCEDRAM National Conference was held with a blend of prayer, worship, powerful messages, and vision sharing. The event was anchored by Evangelists Joy Jenyo and Marcellous Ati.
The ceremony began with an opening prayer by Pastor Mrs. Asikia, followed by the singing of the Nigerian national anthem, the ANCEDRAM anthem, and the conference theme song, all led by the conference choir.
In his opening address, the National President of ANCEDRAM, Pastor Biodun Soretire, welcomed delegates and guests to the conference. He emphasized the commitment of the leadership to ensure the readiness of the ANCEDRAM Camp Ground and Film Village by 2027, describing it as a long-term infrastructural vision for the association.
Evangelist Mike Bamiloye, in a session on vision sharing, recalled that the movement began on December 6, 1996, with its first gathering in Lagos, and has since spread across the 36 states of Nigeria and beyond.
“The essence is to plant in the soil the vision of evangelical drama in churches and the entire region,” he said, noting the growth of Christian drama ministries in North America, Canada, and even Egypt.
“Your coming to sit down with us is prophetic... The people you are seeing here are only representatives,” he added, declaring that “the light of the King will spread to all parts of the eastern region.”
A short drama ministration on the conference theme, Great Grace, by ANCEDRAM Rivers State Chapter followed.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chairman of the ceremony, Bishop W. T. Iwo, spoke on the nature and importance of divine grace.
“Grace is God’s unmerited favour,” he said. “It is also God’s divine ability given to us to accomplish things beyond human capacity.”
Drawing from 1 Samuel 17:50, he described David’s victory over Goliath as a demonstration of such grace.
“We’re not just talking about saving grace,” he explained, “but great grace—abundant and sufficient grace—released in special circumstances.”
Bishop Iwo emphasized that grace must be engaged for service, not just for recognition.
“If you desire grace without seeking to serve God with it, then it is useless,” he warned. “Grace is found in the place of prayer—Hebrews 4:16. When you contact grace, doors open for you.”
Dignitaries at the high table included ANCEDRAM BOT Chairman, Evang. Mike Bamiloye; BOT Secretary, Shola Mike Agboola; National President, Pastor Biodun Soretire; and other prominent members such as Bishop Ayo Odunayo, Pastor Paul Adaramola, Evang. Damian Duruewuru, Evang. Hans Nuhu, Prof. Imoh Emenyi, Evang. Shitu Nicholas, and former national presidents Pst. Yemi Adepoju and Pst. Kingsley Nwachukwu, among others.
A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of honorary membership awards to distinguished guests, including Bishop Ayo Odunayo, Bishop W. T. Iwo, and Pastor Jide Oluwayemi, in recognition of their support and contributions to the evangelical drama movement.
In his closing remarks, the Pastor Shola Mike Agbola expressed gratitude to God for a successful opening session and thanked the keynote speaker and all guests.
“If Jesus tarries, this will not be the last conference for anyone,” he declared.
The ceremony concluded with a prayer led by Evangelist Mike Bamiloye.
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